Nathana Bird Named as TWU Associate Director

photo by Brandon Soder

We are very happy to announce that Nathana Bird has assumed the position of Associate Director at Tewa Women United (TWU). She will work closely alongside executive director Dr. Corrine Sanchez. As the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary, this move supports longevity and sustainability, and keeps TWU rooted in Tewa communities.

Nathana brings many gifts to this leadership position: more than a decade of service to TWU, analytical and organizing skills, compassion, a strong grounding in community and culture, and a deep commitment to young people and their development.

Nathana Bird, M.A., is from Ohkay Owingeh and Kewa Pueblo, a life-partner to Ray Naranjo (a talented chef) and a mother of four. She first became involved with Tewa Women United as a board member in 2007. In 2014, she transitioned onto staff as the Coordinator of the A’Gin Healthy Sexuality & Body Sovereignty Project. Within this capacity she helped to maintain the implementation of TWU’s culturally-responsive curriculum throughout Northern New Mexico.

Nathana is currently the Program Manager for the Women’s Leadership and Economic Freedom Program. She believes in returning the favor and desires to maintain connected to the true essence of why Tewa Women United was created in 1989. She leads with respect, honesty, and compassion for the staff and community.

Nathana began organizing in Northern New Mexico and regionally through various youth organizations and continued on this path for many years, focusing primarily on environmental justice issues and education. Her educational background includes an MA in Language, Literacy & Socio-Cultural Studies with a concentration in American Indian Education, and a BA in Integrated Studies in Psychology. She enjoys taking care of her plants, spending time with family, road trips, and organizing.

Nathana is passionate about continually connecting back to the teachings of her people and to embody the wisdom that has been passed down to her from the mothers and grandmothers in her life. TWU has been a place for her to co-create spaces with young people and communities to thrive and sustain themselves, and their families, as it did for her when she was younger. The love, care, and guidance that the elders, community, and staff at TWU have offered Nathana deeply impacts her own healing and empowerment each and every single day. She continues to stay committed to serving the communities in the Española Valley. Nathana believes that in order for us to create the community we want to see, we must engage in that process fully with all its beauty and flaws.